About The CMS Support Hub

This site was built by a parent who had to learn the child maintenance system from the inside — the legislation, the case law, the challenge routes, the complaints ladder — because nothing existed that put it all in one place. Now it does.

What this site stands for

Two principles, held together without contradiction:

• Children are entitled to be supported. Where the CMS has applied the law correctly, the right outcome is that the assessment is paid in full and on time. Nothing here will help anyone dodge a correct liability — and the self-assessment tool will tell you plainly when your assessment stands up.
• Parents are entitled to a service that follows its own rules. The CMS wields extraordinary powers — access to your tax records, your bank accounts, your wages, ultimately your liberty. Powers on that scale demand accuracy and accountability. Parliament's own committees keep finding both in short supply. This site gives parents the knowledge to check every figure and the routes to fix every error.

What this site is not

• Not legal advice. Everything here is general information about the statutory scheme in England, Wales and Scotland. Your case turns on its own facts; for advice on it, see useful contacts.
• Not a substitute for the official sources. Every substantive page carries a source table. Verify time-critical deadlines against your own decision letters and current GOV.UK guidance — rules change, and the reform tracker exists precisely because big changes are coming.
• Not for Northern Ireland. NI runs a parallel scheme under its own legislation; start at nidirect.
• Not funded by anyone. No accounts, no payments, no advertising, no affiliate links. Free means free.

Accuracy, corrections and suggestions

Every page shows its last update date and cites its sources, favouring primary materials: legislation, official guidance, parliamentary research and reported case law. If you find an error, a stale figure or a broken link — or there's a topic you need covered — contact [email protected]. Corrections are made promptly and matter more than anything else on this page.